NewsBite analysis · AI, Security
TechCrunch
If you use Google, you're training its AI. Here's how to opt out.
Google has introduced changes to its privacy settings, enabling broader usage of uploaded user data, including images and audio, to train its AI models unless explicitly opted out. These settings were rolled out quietly, with a notification sent to users in June. While users can reconfigure their preferences, this shift highlights an industry-wide trend towards data collection for AI improvement, raising privacy concerns.
MonitorConfidence: MediumImmediate horizonData governance risk: High
Published 6 Jul 2026, 18:41 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Google allows saved media to be used for AI training without explicit consent unless opted out.
- New privacy settings separate traditional search history from media usage for AI.
- Users can configure data retention settings from 3 to 36 months.
- Shift reflects industry trend of aggregating user-generated data for AI model training.
- Google communicates changes through customer emails and updated help documentation.
Interesting facts
- The privacy update was announced via a customer email, indicating a low-profile rollout.
- Similar data collection practices are being adopted by companies like Meta.